WebJunction - Group: WorldCat.org Librarians’ Corner

WorldCat.org linking to you local library's catalog

2008-11-12T00:58:36Z

Hi,
My name is Joanna White and I am a WorldCat Registry product manager here at OCLC.

The WorldCat Registry is a free, web-based directory of library and library services around the world. Every library is encouraged to register; OCLC member libraries whose holdings display in WorldCat.org are encouraged to keep service links and other important data about their institution current so patrons can get back to local services.

Unfortunately, manual updates to on-line catalog links, or what we call “deep links”, used to be rather complex. There are many OPAC vendors and many catalog products each with a different linking syntax. We are pleased to announce that Registry implemented software that streamlines construction of deep links for over sixty OPAC products. Libraries can now more easily and accurately create catalog deep links based on a “sample link” from local catalog. All you do is copy a sample URL link, paste it in Registry profile, and our software suggests the rest! There is a verification test right next to each suggested deep link as well.

Short tutorials are on Registry support site and YouTube.

The tutorial is also at the bottom of the main WorldCat.org page.

Let me know if your library administrator already used the new software and how they liked it. Are there any improvements to either the software or interface that we should consider?

Thanks, Joanna

RE: Should you Tag a Library?

2008-10-28T22:21:37Z

could be, but I'd rather see user-personalization features before the ability to add socialized content around orgs.

RE: Welcome to the 'WorldCat corner' - here's what we're thinking...

2008-10-28T22:20:20Z

I'd like to see:

-the ability to search within your lists
-the ability to be prompted that a title is already "listed" before you add it again

WorldCat Webinar 10/29

2008-10-28T20:47:10Z

Just saw in Gary's blog this post about tomorrow's WorldCat Webinar.

Here's a description: "How do you promote your collection online? Get some tips with a live Webinar tomorrow exclusively for librarians, where you’ll see a sneak preview of what’s to come with WorldCat and WorldCat Local, be able to ask questions and give your feedback to members of the WorldCat team".

'My favorite library' affiliation in WorldCat.org

2008-10-20T15:03:53Z

We recently launched a new feature on WorldCat.org - allowing a user to designate (up to 10) WorldCat libraries as a “favorite library". Phase 1 of this feature:
• filters a user's favorite libraries, when they hold an item, to the top of the libraries list on the detailed record page
• provides a summary of library information (address, phone, links) in the user profile area

We are in the process of gathering and organizing subsequent phases for this feature – if you have any thoughts on this feature that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear them. For example, is there any additional information that would be helpful? , can you think of any interesting ways/ activities for the WorldCat community to use this information, etc.

RE: Welcome WorldCat.org Librarians!

2008-10-20T04:01:23Z

Did you know that if you have an existing WorldCat account you can log in to WebJunction using that login information? As a matter of fact, you can use the same login information for FirstSearch, WebJunction and WorldCat.

Love that collaboration!

Should you Tag a Library?

2008-10-09T12:25:51Z

Tags were released on WorldCat.org recently. And just this last week we added the ability to 'favorite' your library, or affiliate with your library. I'm curious if there's a benefit to your patrons for them to be able to tag your library as well?

Why would your patrons tag you? And what would they say? Hmmm.

The Watkins Glen Public Library is a good community library that happens to have a race care in the middle of it. Along with common items you might find anywhere, they have a significant auto racing collection.

Would it be useful for patrons to tag WGPL as "NASCAR," "racing," race" or "cars"? We haven't provided to option to tag a library. I'm wondering if it would be valuable.

RE: Welcome to the 'WorldCat corner' - here's what we're thinking...

2008-10-03T19:23:59Z

Very interested to see what becomes of this group! I'll be watching and joining in for sure.

RE: Welcome to the 'WorldCat corner' - here's what we're thinking...

2008-10-03T17:22:50Z

Hi Laura,

Even though I work for OCLC, I have to admit that I only recently started using WorldCat.org's personalized features. I'm writing a book about libraries and community building, and I've recently created a number of lists of resources related to that process. I expect to use the lists to create/extract the bibliography and additional resources for my publication (thank you in advance for this feature) and also will point people to these lists online from my book-related blog. So, that's how I'm using it - maybe will find other ways as well.

My one feature request? Remember me. I hate having to login every time.

Thanks for starting this group and I look forward to seeing how other librarians are using WorldCat.org.

Welcome to the 'WorldCat corner' - here's what we're thinking...

2008-10-01T21:02:16Z

As we mention in our group summary – we would like to create a space to chat with librarians about WorldCat.org. We will be asking questions about features we have, features we’re thinking about, and in general letting you know about cool things that we feel are important to librarians - and would like to hear back from you on what you think is important. From time to time, we may also be asking for your help in testing new features, adding new user generated content, etc.

If you have a minute, we’d love to hear from you…who you are and how you are currently using WorldCat - or even if you’re new to WorldCat and just visiting the group to learn more.

Thanks...We’re looking forward to working with you!

Welcome WorldCat.org Librarians!

2008-09-29T22:01:49Z

I’d like to welcome your group to WebJunction and point out some of the resources available in the Member Center.

Help and Support for FAQ, helpful discussions and ways to contact us.
Getting Started for a number of short intro videos on WJ tools.
A User Guide which includes details on groups.

Welcome again and please let us know if you have questions.